Expert Guide for Chinese Entrepreneurs: Japan’s Business Manager Visa & ¥30 Million Rule

An increasing number of Chinese nationals are obtaining business administration visas. In order to work in Japan, a work visa must be obtained, and the most common types of work visa for Chinese nationals are ‘business administration’ and ‘advanced professional’.
The business administration visa, in particular, is an attractive option for those who want to start a new business, as it allows them to operate in a wide variety of business settings.
The main points of this article are as follows.

✓The most common residence statuses for Chinese are ‘ business/management’ and ‘ highly specialised’. ✓ From October 16, 2025, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa have been significantly tightened. ✓ Newly established mandatory requirements include a minimum capital of ¥30 million, employment of at least one full-time staff member, management experience, Japanese language proficiency, and certification of the business plan by a qualified professional. ✓ Even if you obtain a “4-month Business Manager Visa” as a preparation period, you will ultimately need to meet these new, higher requirements. ✓Proof of dependent capacity and age limits for children must be noted when obtaining a family residence visa.

This article provides an overview of the business management visa, the requirements to obtain one, and details the dos and don’ts of obtaining a family residence visa.

1. The most common statuses of residence for Chinese nationals are ‘business/management’ and ‘highly specialised’

A work visa is required to work in Japan. The work visas most frequently obtained by Chinese nationals are the ‘Business Management’ and ‘Highly Specialised Worker’ visas.

According to statistics from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, as of the end of 2024, Chinese nationals accounted for approximately half of all foreign residents holding a “Business Manager” visa, representing 52.2% of the total.

[Management and administration]

Statistics on resident aliens	Total number	China	Percentage of total
End-December 2022	31,808 persons	15,986 persons	50.3%
End-December 2023	37,510 persons	19,334 persons	51.5%
End-December 2024	41,615persons	21,740persons	52.2%

A large number of Chinese nationals also hold ‘highly specialised’ visas, accounting for over 60% of the total at the end of 2022; by the end of 2024, the proportion had further increased, reaching 66.9%.

[Highly qualified professionals]

Statistics on resident aliens	Total number	China	Percentage of total
End-December 2022	18,315 persons	11,696 persons	63.9%
End-December 2023	23,958 persons	15,757 persons	65.7%
End-December 2024	28,708persons	19,228persons	66.9%

Thus, it is clear that many Chinese are engaged in company management and highly specialised work in Japan.

Reference: Office of the Immigration Bureau｜ [Statistics on Foreign Residents (Statistics on Formerly Registered Foreigners)]

1-1. Business and management visas

The Management and Administration visa is a status of residence established for foreigners to engage in business management and administration in Japan. This status covers activities such as establishing a company in Japan to manage a business or participating in an existing business to engage in management and administration.

Those who can obtain this status are those who substantially participate in the management and administration of the business, such as presidents, directors, auditors, general managers, factory managers and branch managers.

There are no restrictions on the type or type of business, as long as it is a legitimate business in Japan. For example, a foreigner working as a chef who wants to run his own restaurant needs a management and administration visa instead of a technical visa.

The period of stay is granted for five years, three years, one year, six months, four months or three months.

1-2. Highly specialised visas

The highly specialised visa is a visa status designed to attract highly skilled personnel to Japan and revitalise the country. To obtain this visa, you need to score 70 points or more in the ‘advanced human resources point system’, which is a high hurdle.

The point system is based on a point system that scores educational background, work experience and annual income, while age and research achievements are also subject to evaluation.

On the other hand, unlike the Highly Skilled Professional Visa, the Business Manager Visa does not operate on a points-based system. However, with the October 2025 amendment, new background and educational requirements have been introduced — such as having at least three years of management experience or holding a master’s degree (or higher) in a related field. Although the eligibility scope has narrowed compared to before, it is still possible to obtain the visa if you meet the requirements, even without reaching 70 points.

The following sections focus on the business and management visas.

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2. [October 2025 Amendment] Requirements for Chinese Nationals to Obtain a Business Manager Visa in Japan

The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa are as follows:

• Investment of at least ¥30 million and employment of at least one full-time staff member
• Securing an independent office in Japan
• A business plan verified by a qualified professional
• Management experience or relevant educational background
• A certain level of Japanese language proficiency

Each of these is explained below.

2-1.Requirement 1:Business scale (capital of at least ¥30 million and at least one full-time employee)

As a foundation for the business, it is now mandatory to meet both of the following conditions: having a capital or total investment of at least ¥30 million, and employing at least one full-time staff member. The full-time employee must be either a Japanese national or a foreign resident holding a status of residence such as “Permanent Resident.”

In addition, Chinese nationals who do not have a domicile in Japan often do not have the necessary bank account to set up a company, so it is common practice to use the account of a collaborator who has a domicile in Japan.

Furthermore, when applying for a business administration visa, it is necessary to prove the source of the capital of at least 30 million yen used to establish the company.

2-2.Requirement 2:Securing an independent office in Japan

The second requirement is to secure an independent office in Japan. The office must meet conditions that ensure the continuity of the business and enable proper management operations.

It is necessary to secure a physical office in Japan for conducting business activities. Under the revised regulations, this requirement has become stricter—using a home as both a residence and an office is, in principle, not permitted. Virtual offices are also not allowed; an independent space that demonstrates the continuity of the business is required.

In addition, office rental contracts should be for a term of at least one year, and in the case of subleasing properties, it is necessary to ensure that the property is not a prohibited sublease.

2-3.Requirement 3: A business plan verified by a qualified professional

The third requirement is the preparation of a business plan. This document is essential to demonstrate the stability and continuity of the business.
While a business plan proving these points has always been required, under the new regulations it is now mandatory to have the plan reviewed and verified for feasibility by a qualified professional such as a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, or Tax Accountant.

It is important for Chinese entrepreneurs to present their unique business strengths backed by objective data at a level that satisfies the professional reviewer. The plan should clearly outline the business overview, management philosophy, services offered, marketing strategy, and staffing plan, demonstrating the potential for stable business growth. Specifically, it will be examined from multiple perspectives, including whether the business can be operated continuously, how sales activities will be conducted, and the reasons for conducting business in Japan.

Chinese applicants should actively highlight their unique strengths, the advantages of doing business in Japan, and the competitive edge of their China-related business.
To convince examiners of the reliability and future potential of the business, it is essential to present clear, concrete data and evidence that support the feasibility and likelihood of success.

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2-4.Requirement 4: Management experience or educational background

To objectively demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications as a business manager, it has become mandatory to meet one of the following requirements.

At least three years of experience in business management or administration

This includes experience in positions such as company president, director, department manager, or branch manager. Overseas experience is also accepted. In addition, the period spent on entrepreneurial preparation activities under the “Designated Activities” status of residence can be counted toward the three years of experience.

A master’s degree or higher in business management or in the field related to the proposed business

Applicants are required to hold a degree related to business management (e.g., MBA) or a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in the field of the proposed business (for example, a master’s degree in information science for an IT business). Degrees awarded by foreign universities or equivalent institutions are also accepted.

2-5.Requirement 5: A certain level of Japanese language proficiency

To demonstrate the ability to operate a business smoothly in Japan, it has become a new requirement that either the applicant or at least one full-time employee must possess a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency.

Specific criteria for “a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency”

It is defined as equivalent to level B2 or higher in the “Japanese Language Education Reference Framework,” and applicants who are not Japanese nationals or special permanent residents must prove that they meet one of the following conditions.

• Certified at N2 level or higher on the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
• Scored 400 points or higher on the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT)
• Has resided in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident for over 20 years
• Graduated from a Japanese university or graduate school (higher education institution)
• Completed compulsory education and graduated from a Japanese high school

Does the business owner themselves need to meet the requirements?

The business owner (applicant) themselves is not required to meet the above criteria; it is sufficient if a full-time employee satisfies them. Importantly, the “full-time employee” who fulfills this Japanese language requirement may also be a foreign national working in Japan under another work visa category (e.g., “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”).

3. 4-month business and management visas

Unlike the regular one-year visa, the four-month business administration visa is intended for preparation for starting a business after arriving in Japan.

It allows for the registration of a certificate of residence and the opening of a bank account, which are not possible with a temporary visitor visa, and facilitates the procedures required to establish a company. Furthermore, there is no need to secure an office in advance, which reduces the hurdles in the preparation for starting a business.

However, the hurdles for starting a business during this four-month preparation period have become significantly higher under the revised system. Within this period, applicants must meet all the newly tightened requirements—such as preparing a capital of ¥30 million and securing at least one full-time employee—before applying for the one-year renewal of the Business Manager Visa.

On the other hand, financial institutions and rental property options may be limited, so it is important to plan in advance and consult with a specialist.

3-1. Differences with one-year management and administration visas.

A permanent business management visa is a visa with a duration of at least one year and allows the holder to carry out the necessary business activities after establishing a company. However, as it is necessary to complete preparations for starting a business, such as transferring funds and securing an office, before applying for a visa, you will need a collaborator in Japan to help you with these preparations.

On the other hand, the four-month business administration visa is intended for preparation for starting a business after arriving in Japan and allows activities in Japan even before the company is established.

With a temporary visitor visa (90 days), a resident certificate cannot be registered and preparations for setting up a company cannot be carried out; with a four-month business administration visa, you can proceed with ‘opening a bank account’, ‘securing an office’ and ‘registering the establishment of a company’ after arriving in Japan.

3-2.Advantages of a four-month business and management visa

The business administration visa, which is valid for four months, offers several advantages.

The visa allows you to register your residence and seal in Japan, which will facilitate procedures related to the establishment of your company and your daily life.

In addition, you will be able to open a bank account in Japan and deposit company capital directly into your own account, thus simplifying the procedures.

Another advantage is that there is no need to sign an office rental contract prior to application.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the number of financial institutions that can open bank accounts is limited and in some cases the owner of the leased premises may not accept the contract. It should also be noted that it is necessary to apply for a visa renewal within the time limit.

4. points to note when obtaining visas for spouses and children (family residence visas).

For Chinese nationals who obtain a business management visa and start a business in Japan, family life may also be an important consideration. In order to bring your spouse and children to Japan, you will need to obtain a Family Resident Visa.
This section explains the requirements that need to be taken into account when obtaining a family residence visa.

4-1. need to prove that they can actually provide support

When obtaining a visa for a spouse or child (family residence visa), the applicant must prove that he or she can actually support the family.

An important criterion in the examination is whether the income of the Chinese person who will be the dependent is sufficient for the family to lead a stable life in Japan. In this case, there is no specific monetary criterion, but a comprehensive judgment is made based on income, the cost of living in the area of residence, rent and other factors.

It is possible to apply for a business management visa and a family residence visa at the same time, as long as the expected income after arriving in Japan is clear.

4-2. Age limits for children

The age of the children is also an important requirement for obtaining a family residence visa. There is no clear age limit, but if you are bringing in a child over the age of 18, you will need to explain reasonable grounds in order to obtain permission.

This is because there is a high possibility that the immigration authorities will judge that children over 18 years of age are not ‘dependent on their parents’ but are coming to Japan to work. Therefore, it will be difficult to obtain a visa unless sufficient reasons are given.

In doing so, you will be required to explain in detail why your child is coming to Japan and your plans regarding the school. It is also necessary to present information that will convince the Immigration Bureau of your future educational efforts and living environment.

5. Summary

This article provides an overview of the most common residence statuses for Chinese nationals and the business and management visas. The contents can be summarised as follows.

✓The most common residence statuses for Chinese are ‘ business/management’ and ‘ highly specialised’. ✓ From October 16, 2025, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa have been significantly tightened. ✓ Newly established mandatory requirements include a minimum capital of ¥30 million, employment of at least one full-time staff member, management experience, Japanese language proficiency, and certification of the business plan by a qualified professional. ✓ Even if you obtain a “4-month Business Manager Visa” as a preparation period, you will ultimately need to meet these new, higher requirements. ✓Proof of dependent capacity and age limits for children must be noted when obtaining a family residence visa.

Among the most popular work visas for Chinese nationals are the “Business Manager Visa” and the “Highly Skilled Professional Visa.” In particular, the Business Manager Visa has become subject to much stricter requirements under the October 2025 legal revision — including a minimum capital of ¥30 million, employment of at least one full-time staff member, a minimum of three years of management experience, and proof of Japanese language proficiency. It is no longer a visa that can be obtained “regardless of educational or professional background”; instead, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and a solid track record as a business manager.

The “Four-Month Business Manager Visa” remains a useful option for those coming to Japan to prepare for establishing a business. However, it is important to note that all these stringent conditions must be met within that short period.

Furthermore, to bring family members to Japan under a “Dependent Visa,” it is a prerequisite that your business foundation remains stable under the new system. As the system has become significantly more complex, establishing the right strategy tailored to your individual circumstances is essential to avoid failure in the application process. If you have any uncertainties or concerns, be sure to consult a qualified professional in advance.

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